Do you need to live with a smaller canvas?
What is a smaller canvas?
What is a smaller canvas as regards to our live?s Is it less stuff? Is it better organization?
A smaller canvas. Hmmmm.
But then there’s smaller.
I usually think in terms of bigger. Psalm talks about a “large place” and other verses mention wide places and higher places.
Psalm 30:
7 I will rejoice and be glad in Your lovingkindness,
Because You have seen my affliction;
You have known the troubles of my soul,
8 And You have not given me over into the hand of the enemy;
You have set my feet in a large place.
There are visions of soaring on Eagle’s wings.
Miracles in scripture are always BIG. Answers to prayers are big. So how can I suggest we limit ourselves to a smaller canvas? I guess that depends on what I mean about a “smaller” canvas.
I mean a “pulling in”, a “stepping back”, a “concentration”. Maybe another word would be “focusing”.
Maybe smaller means focus?
These are all kind of foreign to me. I’m a “big picture” kind of a person.
I’m also a people pleaser. And not just a people pleaser but a “happiness distributor” as well. I like the people I love to be happy. Period. I will usually do just about anything to make that happen. Which is ludicrous, of course, because no one can do that for anyone else.
But I try anyway.
So I like the idea of a “smaller canvas”. I need that right now.
God can get our attention with a smaller canvas.
There are things God is revealing to me that require my attention. I’m not sharing them because as Oswald Chambers says in a number of places, when God is working hard in our lives we might weaken that process if we talk about it too soon. For a sanguine personality like me, this is hard. But there are some things I can share. And living with a smaller canvas is one of those.
As you probably know, I am a painter. Whether I’m any good or not depends on the viewer. Here’s some of my paintings for you to decide. I only share them because we are talking about canvases.
Do you need to live a smaller life? Paint on a smaller canvas?
Living a "smaller" life in terms of priorities and focus can often lead to a more balanced and fulfilling existence. Share on XIt involves clarifying your goals, simplifying your goals, decluttering your mind, and channeling your energy into what truly matters to you. Here are some tips on how to embrace a simpler and more focused lifestyle:
Clarify Your Values
Begin by identifying what truly matters to you. What are your core values and beliefs? Understanding your values will help you align your priorities with what is most important in your life.
When we take the time to reflect on our core values and beliefs, we gain insights into our true selves and what motivates us. These values can be the guiding principles that shape our decisions, actions, and relationships. By knowing and acknowledging these values, we pave the way for a more authentic and purposeful life.
By staying attuned to our values, we can navigate life with greater clarity and confidence. This introspective journey allows us to cultivate a sense of inner harmony and fulfillment, ensuring that our chosen path aligns with our deepest convictions.
I’m doing this myself now. I’m starting to realize I can’t do everything I want to do. There are times I can’t even find time to do what I need to do. So that’s why I’m taking the next step as well.
Simplify Your Goals
Instead of attempting to handle multiple goals concurrently, it is beneficial to concentrate on a select few key objectives that resonate with your values. By doing so, you can channel your energy and focus towards what holds significant importance to you.
This approach enables a deeper level of commitment and dedication, increasing the likelihood of achieving meaningful outcomes. Remember, clarity and purpose in pursuing your aspirations can lead to a more gratifying journey.
My goals for the next year do not include at lot of activities I’ve had time to do in the past. I can’t write books and do everything else I like to do. It does mean I have to focus and organize my life better.
Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is one of those overworn concepts. It can be very self-serving and an excuse to avoid responsibility. But like with many popular fads, its purpose is meant to rejuvenate us and actually make us more responsible if done for the right purpose.
By dedicating time and attention to our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, we equip ourselves to show up fully in all areas of our lives. Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, running, or yoga, not only strengthens our bodies. It also releases endorphins that uplift your mood and contribute to your overall well-being.
By giving our minds some rest through meditation we allow God to transform our thoughts. The same goes for our emotions. They need a rest, too. For me, that means I schedule time for silence, solitude and fasting.
Plan time to do the things you enjoy. Actually schedule them into your life at least once a week. Taking care of ourselves means we can better take care of others.
Stay in the moment
Cultivate mindfulness to stay present in the moment and reduce overwhelm. Mindfulness allows you to focus on one task at a time, leading to greater clarity and productivity. I’ve written about this a lot so I won’t elaborate today.
Simply stated, mindfulness just means you try and keep your mind focused on what you are presently doing. Practically stated, it means not letting your mind wander aimlessly.
But, and this is important, it’s OK to let your mind wander as long as it’s deliberate. We need times to just let our minds wonder and get creative.
Does that make sense?
Declutter Your Environment
A cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind. Take the time to declutter your physical space, whether it’s your home, workspace, or digital devices. A clean and organized environment can help you think more clearly and focus better.
There has been so much research in this area that shows a cluttered environment leads to a cluttered mind. But I’ve noticed that many people don’t even see the clutter they have become so accustomed to it. So the trick is, the minute you see clutter building up, take care of it before you get used to it.
So what do you think? Do you feel the need to live with a smaller canvas? It’s worth thinking about.
God bless and have a great day.
